The Caterer hosts 2026 Inspiring Women in Hotels lunch 

During her deeply moving presentation, Delivering Better’s Jo Cruse spoke candidly about her career journey, which spanned South African politics and the UK education sector – before a traumatic birth experience led her back to her political roots, lobbying for maternity care reform through Delivering Better. 

Cruse described meeting Delivering Better’s co-founders Sarah Haines and Sophie Lucas, both of whom came on board days after the lobbying group’s inception, as “the great love story of my life”. She gave a clarion call to the women in the room to be led by authenticity and audacity, both when pursuing their personal career goals and championing change across the industry. 

Following the talk guests sat down for a three-course meal of Portland crab tart, spiced mayonnaise and pickled vegetables; fillet of beef Rossini, buttered spinach and red wine jus; and raspberry and almond tart with citrus mascarpone cream.  

One of the attendees, Tori Ackling, group commercial manager of Legacy Hotels, advised women who aspired to a hospitality career to remember that it is one of a few professional industries “where your personality is your power.” 

“You don’t have to fit the mould – just be you, be who you want to be, because that is what we need,” she added. 

This view was echoed by Sally Beck, general manager of the Royal Lancaster London: “I’m a publican’s daughter from Scunthorpe. Being a publican’s daughter showed me you can live life, be your values, be who you are and get to ridiculous heights. I’m running one of the best hotels in London and I didn’t go to university. I am just myself – and that is hospitality,” she said. 

Mollies Motels’ people director Trudi Parr advised women to be diligent about crafting and regularly revisiting their career plan: “Life can take over, so have your vision of where you are, where you want to go and where your gaps are,” she advised, and added that women should revisit their career plan “every three months”. 

And when asked to describe working in hospitality in three words, Rachael Russell, general manager of Firmdale’s Haymarket hotel, said: “Passion, resilience – and very strong coffee!”

From our sponsors 

“We are incredibly proud to sponsor the Inspiring Women’s Lunch for the second time. It is such a fantastic platform for women’s voices within the hotel industry and we see it as a privilege to share a room with such a fabulous group of women and foster valuable connections. A huge thank you to the Haymarket hotel for providing a venue truly befitting the event.”

“As a proudly female-founded business, I was delighted to attend The Caterer’s Inspiring Women’s Lunch and celebrate the incredible women shaping our industry today. At Umbrella Training, we’re passionate about empowering talent through skills and apprenticeships, while championing equal opportunities, inclusion and social mobility. We’re honoured to support and stand alongside such an inspiring community driving positive change.”

Adele Oxberry, founder and chief executive, Umbrella Training